Belt merchandising system and method

ABSTRACT

A flexible sheet of a desired material is configured with a number of loop openings for the passage of a belt or belt loops depending on the configuration of the tool belt to be displayed. One or more hanger openings are also included in the flexible sheet for supporting the tool belt in a retail location, and a handle opening may also be included. The flexible sheet is also configured to be wearable by a consumer during an evaluation of the tool belt, without undue interference to the evaluation. Printed material may be included on the flexible sheet, to include consumer information, UPCs, and other information typically included in product packaging.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a belt merchandising system for use in point-of-sale displays.

2. Background Art

In retail stores, conventional sales techniques for consumer products typically require that they be displayed on shelves or suspended from hangers such that consumers may readily view them and, when appropriate, remove them for the purpose of examination and evaluation. Typically, consumer products will either be enclosed in packaging, displayed in boxes (e.g., “cut cases”) and/or suspended from a hanger.

Enclosed packaging of products will typically provide a greater protection of the product, and increased theft deterrence. However, for certain products, particularly those which are to be worn by a user, such packaging may interfere with the consumer's evaluation of the product. The opportunity for a customer to come into physical contact with the merchandised article is especially beneficial in the context of wearable merchandise because a prospective consumer will typically desire to handle such merchandise and determine its comfort and fit prior to purchase.

Certain merchandise, such as belts and back support systems, is typically handled by the consumer to evaluate size, fit, function, and comfort. Traditionally, the facilitation of such handling requires the use of very basic packaging (e.g., small hang tags with product information) which will not interfere with such an evaluation. Otherwise, separation of the item from its packaging may occur to permit a desired evaluation. Removal, handling, and fitting by a consumer will often result in separation of such merchandise from its packaging, requiring a retail employee to locate, identify, and reunite the loose merchandise with its appropriate packaging, and in the cases of more complex packaging systems, may require significant effort to properly reattach the packaging to the merchandise. Because of the effort involved at the retail level, merchandise that is separated from its packaging often remains unsold and may be returned to the manufacturer, resulting in decreased efficiency and an increased cost for the manufacturer, retailer and consumer. If more robust packaging methods are used, then the risk instead is that the consumer will be unable to satisfactorily evaluate the product, resulting in a lost sale.

Additionally, removal of merchandise from its packaging may result in higher incidence of theft. Often, wearable merchandise is not suitable for the placement of theft-deterrent devices, or the inclusion of such devices would cause additional expense or hinder the consumer's evaluation of the merchandise. Accordingly, there exists a need for a merchandising system that is configured to securely maintain merchandise-packaging integrity while still providing the consumer an opportunity to handle and properly evaluate wearable merchandise.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a belt display apparatus utilizing a relatively thin, flexible sheet having a number of loop openings for operatively connecting to a tool belt, and a hanger opening for operatively connecting to a hanger in a retail display location.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of preparing a tool belt for display, comprising operatively connecting a tool belt, and at least one tool belt accessory, to a relatively thin, flexible sheet having a number of loop openings for operatively connecting to a hanger in a retail display location.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a tool belt merchandising system comprising a tool belt display apparatus, a tool belt, and at least one tool belt accessory, all operatively connected.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a tool belt display apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a tool belt display apparatus and tool belt according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tool belt display apparatus and tool belt according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an operative connection of a tool belt to a belt display apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the invention in-use by a user.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a tool belt display apparatus and tool belt according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of a tool belt display apparatus and tool belt according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the belt display apparatus 2 comprises a substantially flat, flexible sheet of material 4 configured with a plurality of openings for operatively connecting the flexible sheet 4 to a predetermined tool belt and/or one or more hangers having a predetermined size and location. An optional handle opening 6 will typically be disposed in a central region of the flexible sheet 4 and will typically have a size and shape determined by the anticipated size, shape, and configuration of an operatively-connected tool belt (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, the handle opening 6 may be disposed in, or extend into, an upper region of the flexible sheet 4 to facilitate carrying, and/or may be disposed in, or extend into, the central region of the flexible sheet 4 to facilitate an operative connection of the tool belt to the flexible sheet 4 as will later be described in more detail.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, paired loop openings 12, 14 are disposed in the flexible sheet 4, with each pair typically being symmetrical both in configuration, and location. The use of multiple, symmetrically-spaced openings advantageously provides substantial support to an operatively-connected tool belt along the length of the sheet 4, as well as multiple options for securing such a tool belt to the apparatus 2. Alternatively, openings may also be non-symmetrical in distribution, size, and/or shape.

One or more hanger openings 8, 10 may also be disposed in pairs, or alternatively, may comprise an odd number (including a single, centrally-disposed opening), depending on anticipated size and spacing of hangers for supporting and displaying the belt display apparatus 2 and tool belt. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the hanger openings are disposed in symmetrical pairs, to advantageously permit a balanced display of the tool belt, and to prevent sagging when the belt is on display in a retail location.

As used herein, the term “opening” when referring to handle openings, loop openings, and hanger openings, means an opening formed in the flexible sheet by any means known in the art. Such means may include, but are not limited to, cutting, die-cutting, or forming during formation of the sheet (e.g., during a molding process). Openings may be of any desired size or shape, and may be configured to have a size and/or shape selected to correspond to a hanger, loop, or other element configured to operatively connect to, and/or pass through, the openings. Modifiers to this term, such as “handle” opening, “loop” opening, and “hanger” opening, are terms of convenience to correlate a certain opening to a preferred size, shape, and/or location in the flexible sheet 4, and should not otherwise be construed as limitations upon the term “opening”.

As used herein, the term “sheet” means a generally planar, suitably flexible object, typically configured to correspond in size and shape to a predetermined tool belt and/or back support element. The sheet is typically configured to be suitable for the dual purposes of securing a tool belt in a retail location, and wrapping at least partially around the body of a consumer during an evaluation of an operatively connected tool belt, without undue interference with such evaluation.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the apparatus 2 is configured to support and secure a tool belt 20 in a retail display location in a manner that permits viewing of the tool belt 20, removal from one or more hangers 22, and, advantageously, wearing of the tool belt 20 by a consumer without removal of the tool belt 20 from the apparatus 2, which often will also function as the packaging for the tool belt 20 (i.e., may include consumer and brand-relevant information, as well as UPC codes, security tags, and/or other information as may required by a retailer or applicable guidelines). Additional advantages of such a configuration include a decreased likelihood that the consumer will separate the tool belt 20 from its packaging, which might otherwise result in mismatching of tool belts 20 and packaging or return of the merchandise to the wholesaler because it will become unsalable once separated from its packaging. The hangers 22 and/or hanger openings 8, 10, are typically configured (type, size, shape, etc.) to operatively connect to provide a desired degree of support for the tool belt 20 and to present the tool belt 20 in a manner anticipated to generate a favorable consumer interaction.

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4, the sheet 4 is configured to be disposed between a belt 24 and a back support element 25 of the tool belt 20. Pouches 26, hammer loops 28, and other components (collectively, tool belt “accessories”) may also be operatively connected to the belt 24. Loops 30 and/or other components used to operatively connect the belt 24 to the back support element 25, through the loop openings 12, 14 of the apparatus 4, advantageously secure the belt 24 and back support element 25 to the apparatus 4 in a manner that permits the majority of components of the tool belt 20 to be readily examined by a consumer, and further permits the tool belt 20 to be worn by a consumer (as shown in FIG. 5) without requiring detachment of the tool belt 20 from the flexible sheet 4.

Typically, the flexible sheet 4 will have a length generally corresponding to that of the back support element 25 of the tool belt 20. In one embodiment, the length of the flexible sheet 4 will be between 80% and 120% of the length of the back support element 25. In one embodiment, the length of the flexible sheet 4 will be between 90% and 110% of the length of the back support element 25. Generally corresponding lengths for the flexible sheet 4 and back support element 25, as well as proper distribution of the loop openings 12, 14 and hanger openings 8, 10 along the length of the flexible sheet 4, will advantageously provide substantial support to the tool belt 20 in a retail display area, a secure connection of tool belt 20 and display apparatus 2, and a balanced and stable positioning of the tool belt 20 in the retail display area. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, substantially corresponding lengths of the flexible sheet 4 and back support element 25 advantageously provide an efficient use of retail space by utilizing approximately the same width of space as is occupied by the back support element 25 of the tool belt 20, and not requiring a display width corresponding to the entire length of the belt 24, which will typically be substantially longer than the back support element 25.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-2, in one embodiment, the invention comprises a method of preparing a tool belt 20 for display. Typically, the back support element 25 is positioned relative to the flexible sheet 4 in a manner that permits the loops 30 to be passed through one or more loop openings 12, 14 of the sheet 4. One end of the belt 24 (typically, the end not having an attached buckle) is then passed through a first loop 30, and then depending on the configuration of the tool belt 20, one or more pouches 26, hammer loops 28, belt loops 30, and/or other tool belt accessories until the end of the belt 24 is finally passed through the loop 30 disposed furthest from the first loop 30, thereby operatively connecting the back support element 25, flexible sheet 4, belt 24, and any desired tool belt accessories such as pouches 26, hammer loops 28, etc.

In one embodiment, it may be desirable to utilize a flat surface, such as a table top, to facilitate the operative connecting of the various components of the tool belt display system. Utilizing such a surface, an assembly worker would typically (1) lay the back support element 25 on the surface, (2) position the flexible sheet on the back support element 25 such that the loop openings 12, 14 are generally aligned with loops 30 operatively connected to the back support element 25, (3) pass the loops through the loop openings 12, 14 of the flexible sheet 4, (4) pass the non-buckle end of the belt 24 through a first loop 30 and then through the tunnel loops of any tool belt accessories such as pouches 26, hammer loops 28, tape holders (not shown), etc. and additional loops 30 of the back support element 25, as desired, to achieve a desired configuration of a tool belt 20, such that the flexible sheet 4 is operatively connected generally between the back support element 25 and belt 24. The end(s) of the belt 24 may be secured to the flexible sheet 4, or to one or more tool belt accessories (e.g., pouches 26), by any means known in the art, or may, alternatively, remain unsecured. Securing the end(s) of the belt 24 advantageously decreases the likelihood that the various components of the belt display system 2 will become separated. Other connection elements, e.g., zip ties, staples, and other fasteners, may be used as desired to further secure selected components of the system. In one embodiment, tool belt accessories may be configured with clips instead of tunnel loops, and accordingly, may be clipped to the belt 24 after the belt is operatively connected to the flexible sheet 4.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, various aspects of the belt display apparatus 2 as previously described advantageously permit a consumer to wear the tool belt 20 without removal from its packaging (including the flexible sheet 4). The configuration of the apparatus 2 permits the belt 24 of the tool belt 20 to be worn by a consumer without undue interference with the consumer's evaluation of the tool belt 20, including evaluation of fit and function. Because the tool belt 20 may be worn in a fully-configured state, including various tool belt accessories such as pouches 26, a consumer may fully evaluate the tool belt 20 without separating it from its packaging.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, in one embodiment, a back support element 25 is not required. Instead, the belt 24 itself may be threaded through the loop openings 12, 14 to secure desired belt accessories to the flexible sheet 4. In such an embodiment, the non-buckle end of the belt 24 is passed from a first side of the flexible sheet 4, through a first loop opening 12, to a second side of the flexible sheet 4, then through properly configured channels in one or more belt accessories, and returned to the first side of the flexible sheet 4 through a second loop opening 14. This is repeated until all desired belt accessories are secured to the flexible sheet 4 in a desired configuration. It may be desirable to include an increased number of loop openings 12, 14 in such embodiments to sufficiently secure the belt 24 and accessories to the flexible sheet 4 in a desired configuration. In one embodiment, tool belt accessories may be configured with clips instead of tunnel loops, and accordingly, may be clipped to the belt 24 after the belt is operatively connected to the flexible sheet 4.

An additional advantage of certain embodiments of the tool belt display system as described herein is that it facilitates the configuration and/or reconfiguration of tool belts without destruction of packaging. For example, if it becomes desirable to reconfigure a tool belt 20 that is operatively connected to the flexible sheet 4, only a partial disassembly of the belt display system may be required, as necessary to add, remove, and/or replace a predetermined tool belt accessory.

In one embodiment, product-related information is displayed on the flexible sheet 4. The display of such information may be by any means known in the art. Embodiments of the flexible sheet 4 may comprise a printable material, and/or may be coated or covered in a printable material, to facilitate the inclusion of such information on the flexible sheet 4. In one embodiment, only a portion of the flexible sheet 4, typically that portion expected to be visible after operatively connecting a tool belt 20, will comprise a printable material.

In one embodiment, one or more hang tags may also be operatively connected to the tool belt 20 and/or flexible sheet 4. One advantage of such a configuration is that information generic to a certain class or style of tool belt may be permanently disposed on the flexible sheet 4, while information specific to a certain configuration of tool belt 20 may be disposed on hang tags, which are removable/replaceable as needed to match specific configurations of the tool belt 20.

The flexible sheet 4 may comprise any material know in the art, including but not limited to polycarbonate, vinyl, polyethylene, PVC, and combinations thereof. The flexible sheet may be formed by any means known in the art, and may be of any suitable color, shape, size, and/or configuration. In certain embodiments, the flexible sheet 4 will be configured without sharp edges and/or corners to minimize the risk of injury to a consumer who is handling or wearing the belt display apparatus, and to increase comfort when worn.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool belt display apparatus, comprising: a relatively thin, flexible longitudinal sheet of a size and shape selected for a predetermined tool belt configuration, the flexible sheet comprising (a) a first pair of loop openings, and a second pair of loop openings, each pair of loop openings disposed generally parallel and distributed symmetrically on opposing ends of the flexible longitudinal sheet, and (b) at least one hanger opening disposed higher than the loop openings.
 2. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a central opening disposed generally in a central location of the flexible sheet.
 3. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one hanger opening comprises a symmetrical pair of hanger openings.
 4. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible longitudinal sheet has a length that is at least 70% of a predetermined belt length.
 5. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the flexible longitudinal sheet is between 80%-120% of the length of a predetermined back support element.
 6. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the flexible longitudinal sheet is at least three times the height of the flexible longitudinal sheet.
 7. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible longitudinal sheet comprises a printable material.
 8. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 7, wherein the printable material comprises one selected from a coating and a laminate.
 9. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 7, wherein the printable material is disposed only in areas anticipated to be visible when the tool belt is operatively connected to the flexible sheet.
 10. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising printed material disposed on at least one surface.
 11. The tool belt display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible longitudinal sheet comprises at least one material selected from PVC, polycarbonate, vinyl, and polyethylene.
 12. A method of preparing a tool belt for display, comprising: providing a flexible longitudinal sheet having a plurality of paired loop openings disposed along its length; operatively connecting a belt to the flexible longitudinal sheet; and operatively connecting at least one tool belt accessory to the belt and the flexible longitudinal sheet.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein operatively connecting the belt to the flexible longitudinal sheet comprises: disposing a back support member on a first side of the flexible longitudinal sheet; passing a plurality of loops operatively connected to the back support member through select pairs of the plurality of paired loop openings in the flexible sheet so that the plurality of loops protrude from a second side of the flexible longitudinal sheet; and threading the belt through the plurality of loops on the second side of the flexible longitudinal sheet.
 14. A tool belt merchandising system, comprising: a tool belt display apparatus, comprising a longitudinal flexible sheet having a plurality of loop openings, and at least one hanger opening, disposed therein; and a tool belt operatively connected to the tool belt display apparatus, comprising a belt and at least one tool belt accessory.
 15. The tool belt merchandising system of claim 14, further comprising a back support element operatively connected to the tool belt display apparatus and tool belt.
 16. The tool belt merchandising system of claim 14, further comprising at least one selected from text, and graphical images, disposed on the flexible sheet.
 17. The tool belt merchandising system of claim 14, further comprising at least one hang tag operatively connected to the tool belt. 